RWV

TERROIR TRIUMPHS: RECOGNITION FOR ROBERTSON WINE VALLEY CELLARS

Celebrating a national winner and eight district Top Wines

By Myrna Robins on behalf of Robertson Wine Valley

The Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards, now in their 12th year, have grown to become a competition that is keenly contested. More than 320 wines were entered this year to be judged on how well they reflect their terroir or portray their wine-growing area. Entries are limited to wines from a single vineyard, estate, ward or small district.

In the category of National Winners, Kranskop Tannat 2014 was judged the Top Tannat and this wine also took the Area Award for Tannat. Reaction from this Klaasvoogds cellar came with this comment, (translated): “It is an honour to receive this award for a second time. It confirms our trust in promoting Tannat as a cultivar in South Africa.”

More applause for Kranskop as they took three more Top Awards in the Robertson District Awards, for their 2013 Pinot Noir, their 2016 Viognier and wrapped up with their Viognier Noble Late Harvest 2016 which scooped the Top Natural Sweet award.

Other RWV members also scooped Top Awards in the District category, with Bon Courage Estate taking the Top Sparkling Wine with their Jacques Bruère Blanc de Blancs 2010. The farm expressed appreciation by stating: ‘We are proud to be a member of the Robertson Wine Valley.”

A hat-trick was scored by Rietvallei Estate as they won Top White Blend for the Rietvallei Esteanna 2016 and Top Red Blend with Esteanna 2009. Finishing on a sweet note, they also took the Top Fortified award with their Red Muscadel 2016. Rietvallei expanded a little on the terroir of their superb Esteanna 2009: The Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in 1998 on a northwest-facing slope with a very high concentration of river stone. The Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are both from younger vineyards planted in rich calcareous soil in 2003 and 2004 respectively. This Bordeaux-style blend contains almost equal quantities of Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with a splash of Petit Verdot.